noun pl. belfries -·fries

1. a movable tower used in ancient warfare for attacking walled positions
2. a bell tower, esp. one that is part of a building, placed at the top
3. the part of a tower or steeple that holds the bell or bells

Etymology: ME belfrei, altered by assoc. with belle ( bell) < berfrai < OFr berfroi < OHG bergfrid, lit., protector of peace < bergen, to protect (see bury) + frid, peace